HOUSTON – Joshua Geegan, 17, knows he is lucky to be alive.
The graduating senior was leaving graduation practice at HISD’s North Forest High School in northeast Houston when shots rang out around 10:30 Wednesday morning.
“I heard multiple gunshots while I was sitting in the parking lot with my friend in the school parking lot,” Geegan recalled.
Joshua had nothing to do with the shooting -- he doesn’t even know who fired the gun. He ducked but was unable to get totally out of the way.
“I happened to get caught in the crossfire,” he said.
He was struck in the hand and is thankful he escaped with a non-fatal wound. His family is angry and relieved at the same time and can’t believe an act of violence could mar such a joyous occasion.
“He’s about to walk the stage and he’s been super excited about graduating and starting a new chapter of his life,” said cousin Giselle Geegan. “For somebody to be that dumb, senseless, insensitive to do that.”
But Joshua -- who was in the band at North Forest -- is staying focused on marching across the graduation stage.
“No tragedy is good, no incident, or no situation like this is good or have positive results,” Joshua said. “But therefore that the tragedy wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been, it makes me more thankful.”
Joshua will graduate on Saturday. He plans to attend San Jacinto Community College and then Langston University in Oklahoma and study either business management or nursing.
HISD released the following statement:
“The HISD Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place this morning in the parking lot of North Forest High School. One individual was treated at the scene and released by paramedics. In addition, HISD Police will have an increased presence at North Forest HS and are working diligently to ensure that all involved are held accountable. HISD remains committed to vigilantly protecting students and staff at our schools. If you have any information about this incident, please contact the HISD Police Department immediately at 713-892-7777, or call 911.”
Investigators said the shooters were not students and have not been caught.
